A High Court in Katsina has dismissed a lawsuit brought by 7,095 aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who contested the validity of the party’s congresses in the state.
The legal action, initiated by a faction led by Dr Mustapha Inuwa, claimed that the congresses were conducted in a manner that unfairly excluded certain members, denying them equal opportunities to participate.
During the proceedings, the plaintiffs’ attorney, Mustapha Shitu-Mahuta, argued that the congresses, held at the ward, local government, and state levels, violated democratic principles and the PDP constitution. He called for the court to nullify the congresses and mandate new elections that would ensure fair participation for all members as outlined in the party’s guidelines.
Conversely, defence counsel Isaac Nwachukwu contended that the congresses were internal matters of the party and thus outside the court’s jurisdiction. He urged the court to dismiss the case on these grounds.
In his judgment, Justice Abbas Bawale ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction over the case, stating it pertained to the internal governance of the party. He noted that the court only has the authority to hear cases related to primary elections, not congresses where party leaders are elected.
Justice Bawale referenced similar positions held by the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, stating, “I must strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction.” However, he informed the plaintiffs that they retain the right to appeal within 90 days.
Following the ruling, Shitu-Mahuta announced plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.
